Wheeled attachment system for spine boards

ABSTRACT

A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes a support structure including a shaft, a plurality of wheels and at least one support, wherein at least three of the plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of the shaft and wherein the plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of the opposing ends of the shaft. The support extends outwardly from the shaft between the opposing ends of the shaft, wherein the support stabilizes the support structure upon an object positioned adjacent the support structure. An attachment structure extends from the support structure, wherein the attachment structure removably secures the attachment structure and the support structure to the object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to spine boards and morespecifically it relates to a wheeled attachment system for efficientlyattaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easilymaneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.).

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Spine boards have been in use for years within various fields (e.g.medical, etc.). Spine boards are typically utilized for theimmobilization and transportation of patients with suspected neck orspinal injuries. Spine boards are also typically comprised of a hardmaterial, such as wood or plastic to prevent the board from bendingwhile utilizing the present invention.

It is generally necessary when utilizing spine boards for at least twopeople to carry the board and patient upon the board. When carrying thepatient and spine board in hard to maneuver places, such as stairs, oneperson generally has to walk backward while carrying their end of theboard. This can be hazardous for the patient along with the individualcarrying the board.

Attempts have been made to attach wheels to an end of the board; howeverwhile the wheels may provide easy transportation among flat surfacesthey generally are not efficiently maneuverable among stairs. Because ofthe inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a newand improved wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to aspine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered overvarious surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a wheeledattachment system that has many of the advantages of the spine boardsmentioned heretofore. The invention generally relates to a spine boardwhich includes a support structure including a shaft, a plurality ofwheels and at least one support, wherein at least three of the pluralityof wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of the shaft andwherein the plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon eachof the opposing ends of the shaft. The support extends outwardly fromthe shaft between the opposing ends of the shaft, wherein the supportstabilizes the support structure upon an object positioned adjacent thesupport structure. An attachment structure extends from the supportstructure, wherein the attachment structure removably secures theattachment structure and the support structure to the object.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction or to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

An object is to provide a wheeled attachment system for efficientlyattaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easilymaneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.).

Another object is to provide a wheeled attachment system that attacheson various configurations and sizes of spine boards.

A further object is to provide a wheeled attachment system that includesa tri-wheeled structure to allow the attached spine board to be smoothlymaneuvered down or up a flight of stairs.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention. To theaccomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may beembodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attentionbeing called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrativeonly, and that changes may be made in the specific constructionillustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention attached toa spine board.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention explodedfrom a spine board.

FIG. 3 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention attached to a spine board.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention attached to a spine board,wherein the side supports are pivoted outwards.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention attached to a spine board,wherein the outer supports are slid outwards.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention attached to a spine boardand being directed along a flight of stairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 7 illustrate a wheeled attachment system 10, which comprises asupport structure 20 including a shaft 22, a plurality of wheels 56 andat least one support 30, 40, wherein at least three of the plurality ofwheels 56 are rotatably attached at each opposing end of the shaft 22and wherein the plurality of wheels 56 form a tri-wheeled structure uponeach of the opposing ends of the shaft 22. The support 30, 40 extendsoutwardly from the shaft 22 between the opposing ends of the shaft 22,wherein the support 30, 40 stabilizes the support structure 20 upon anobject 12 (e.g. spine board, etc.) positioned adjacent the supportstructure 20. An attachment structure 60 extends from the supportstructure 20, wherein the attachment structure 60 removably secures theattachment structure 60 and the support structure 20 to the object 12.

B. Spine Board

The present invention preferably attaches to an end of a spine board 12(i.e. backboard) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The spine board 12 isgenerally comprised of a rigid and durable structure and material, suchas wood or plastic. The spine board 12 is also generally substantiallyrectangular in shape and of a size to accommodate an individual (i.e.patient) lying upon the spine board 12 (e.g. 5-7 feet in length, 9-18inches in width, etc.).

The present invention further preferably attaches to the end of thespine board 12 where the patient's feet are or will be positioned andthe patient may rest their feet upon the footrest 48 of the presentinvention. It is appreciated that the present invention may attach tovarious other structures and apparatuses rather than a spine board 12all which are desired to be easily maneuvered via rolling the structureor apparatus upon a surface (e.g. flat surface, flight of stairs 19,etc.).

C. Support Structure

The support structure 20 is positioned against the end of the spineboard 12 and is secured to the spine board 12 via the attachmentstructure 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The support structure 20supports the spine board 12 above the ground via the plurality of wheels56 extending from opposing ends of the support structure 20. The supportstructure 20 is comprised of a durable and strong material capable ofwithstanding the weight of the patient and the spine board 12 overvarious surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, flight of stairs 19, etc.).

i. Shaft

The support structure 20 includes a shaft 22 extending along an entirelength of the support structure 20. The shaft 22 includes a pair ofouter portions 23 and an inner portion 24 extending between the outerportions 23 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. The outer portions 23and the inner portions 24 are preferably integrally formed; however itis appreciated that the outer portions 23 and the inner portion 24 maybe comprised of separate structures attached together in some manner(e.g. weldebly, fastened, etc.).

The outer portions 23 are each preferably comprised of a cylindricalshaped configuration so that the hub 50 may efficiently rotate about theouter portions 23 of the shaft 22. Each of the outer portions 23 furtherextends from a respective opposing end of the inner portion 24. Theouter portions 23 further preferably mirror each other about the innerportion 24, wherein the outer portions 23 are comprised of substantiallysimilar configurations. The outer portions 23 may also each include ahole(s) to receive a pin or bolt to securely attach the hub 50 to therespective outer portion 23.

The inner portion 24 extends between the two outer portions 23 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. The inner portion 24 is preferablycomprised of an elongated configuration (e.g. 18 inches, etc.) andfurther comprised of a square or triangular cross-sectional shapedconfiguration. The square or triangular cross-sectional configurationallows the outer supports 30 and the center support 40 to efficientlyattach to the inner portion 24 without rotating around the inner portion24, wherein the corners of the square/triangle keep the outer supports30 and the center support 40 from rotating. It is appreciated howeverthat the inner portion 24 may be comprised of various otherconfigurations rather than the preferred embodiment, all which allow theouter supports 30 and the center support 40 to efficiently attach to theinner portion 24.

The length of the inner portion 24 is preferably substantially similaror slightly greater than the maximum width of the spine board 12. Theouter supports 30 may be adjusted about the inner portion 24, whereinthe outer supports 30 are positioned at a respective outer side of thespine board 12 while remaining positioned upon the inner portion 24 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6.

ii. Tri-Wheeled Structure

The present invention includes a pair of hubs 50, wherein each hub 50 ispositioned upon a respective outer portion 23 of the shaft 22. The hubs50 may be secured upon the respective outer portion 23 via variousmethods (e.g. cotter pin, bolt, etc.). The hubs 50 are comprised ofsubstantially similar configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through7. The hubs 50 also mirror each other about the longitudinal center ofthe shaft 22.

The hubs 50 each include a center aperture 52 extending through a centerportion 53 of the hub 50 and concentric with the hub 50. The centeraperture 52 receives the respective outer portion 23 of the shaft 22 toposition the hub 50 upon the outer portion 23. The center aperture 52also allows the hub 50 to spin freely about the outer portion 23,wherein the entire hub 50 is able to spin. The hub 50 may also include abearing structure adjacent the center portion 53 to allow the hub 50 tospin faster and with greater ease about the outer portion 23.

The hubs 50 are each preferably comprised of a tri-arm configuration asillustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the hubs 50 each preferably include threeextending portions 54 extending outwards from the center portion 53 ofthe hub 50. The extending portions 54 are each preferably equidistantlyspaced from one another along an outer perimeter of the center portion53 and each include a wheel 56 rotatably attached at the distal end ofthe extending portion 54 from the center portion 53 to form a tri-wheelconfiguration upon each hub 50.

The wheels 56 are preferably comprised of a rubber or plastic material.The wheels 56 spin freely about the hub 50, wherein the wheels 56 areable to rotate about the hub 50 in addition to the hub 50 rotating aboutthe shaft 22 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The wheels 56 may be attached tothe hub 50 in various manners, such as utilizing a bolt or axle andcotter pin. The wheels 56 may also each include a bearing structureattached between the wheels 56 and the extending portion 54 to allow thewheels 56 to spin more easily.

The distance from an uppermost wheel 56 to a lowermost wheel 56 uponeach hub 50 is of a length great enough to allow adjacent wheels tostretch from stair to stair along the flight of stairs 19 as illustratedin FIG. 7. This allows the wheels 56 and hub 50 to smoothly rotate whentraveling up and down the stairs 19 (i.e. crawl up and down the stairsin a smooth manner), wherein the spine board 12 does not experience anyjerky or up and down movement when maneuvering the spine board 12 andattached present invention over the flight of stairs 19.

iii. Outer Supports

The outer supports 30 are slidably positioned upon opposing ends of theinner portion 24 of the shaft 22 and are utilized to stabilize thesupport structure 20 upon the spine board 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 4and 6. The outer supports 30 are preferably comprised of substantiallysimilar configurations. The outer supports 30 each include an outerretaining portion 32 and an outer sleeve portion 33, wherein the outerretaining portion 32 extends from the outer sleeve portion 33.

The outer sleeve portion 33 is comprised of a hollow configuration andis further comprised of a substantially similar cross-sectional shapeand configuration as the inner portion 24. The outer sleeve portion 33is able to slidably adjust along the inner portion 24 to accommodate forvarious width spine boards 12. The outer retaining portion 32 ispreferably comprised of a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration asillustrated in FIG. 7. The V-shape of the outer retaining portion 32also is able to accommodate various thicknesses of spine boards 12 (e.g.¾ inches, 3 inches, etc.). The outer retaining portion 32 receives theend of the spine board 12 within the V-shape of the outer retainingportion 32. It is appreciated that the outer retaining portion 32 may becomprised of various configurations all which adequately receive the endof the spine board 12.

iv. Center Support

The center support 40 is preferably fixedly attached to the longitudinalcenter of the inner portion 24 of the shaft 22 and is utilized tostabilize the support structure 20 upon the spine board 12 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. The center support 40 is preferablycomprised of substantially similar configuration as the outer support30, wherein the center support 40 also includes a center sleeve portion43 and a center retaining portion 42 extending from the sleeve portion43.

The sleeve portion 43 is comprised of a hollow configuration and isfurther comprised of a substantially similar cross-sectional shape andconfiguration as the inner portion 24. The center sleeve portion 43 ispreferably fixedly attached to the shaft 22 of the support structure 20.It is appreciated that the center retaining portion 42 may directlyextend from the inner portion 24 rather than utilizing the center sleeveportion 43.

The center retaining portion 42 is preferably comprised of a V-shapedcross-sectional configuration similar to the outer retaining portions32. The retaining portion 42 receives the end of the spine board 12within the V-shape of the retaining portion 42. The V-shape of thecenter retaining portion 42 also is able to accommodate variousthicknesses of spine boards 12 (e.g. ¾ inches, 3 inches, etc.). It isappreciated that the retaining portion 42 may be comprised of variousconfigurations all which adequately receive the end of the spine board12.

The center support 40 also preferably includes a footrest 48 extendingfrom the upper end of the center retaining portion 42 or the upper endof the center sleeve portion 43 and towards the spine board 12. Thefootrest 48 preferably extends at an upward angle as illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 3. The footrest 48 may include various cross members orbe comprised of various configurations, all which allow a patient 17 tocomfortably and efficiently position their feet against the footrest 48.It is appreciated that the footrest 48 may also serve various otherpurposes, such as a handle.

D. Attachment Structure

The attachment structure 60 extends from the support structure 20 andsecures the support structure 20 to the spine board 12 as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The attachment structure 60 is comprised of a durable andstrong material capable of withstanding the weight of the spine board 12and patient and also holding the support structure 20 upon the spineboard 12.

i. Side Supports

The attachment structure 60 includes a pair of side supports 70, whereineach side support 70 extends from a respective outer support 30 of thesupport structure 20 and is positioned along the sides of the spineboard 12 adjacent the end of the spine board 12 as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2. The side supports 70 are preferably pivotally (via a hingestructure 38) attached to the outer supports 30 to allow the sidesupports 70 to extend along various angled sides of various spine boards12 (e.g. sides of spine board 12 define a 90 degree angle with end ofspine board 12, sides of spine board 12 define a 45 degree angle withend of spine board 12, etc.).

The hinge structure 38 may be comprised of various configurations, suchas but not limited to a pin, a hinge or various other mechanisms thatallow the side supports 70 to pivot about the outer supports 30. Theside supports 70 are also selectively perpendicular to the outersupports 30. It is appreciated that the side supports 70 may definevarious other angles with the outer supports 30 when pivoted about theouter supports 30 (e.g. 45 degree angle, etc.).

The side supports 70 are preferably comprised of an elongatedconfiguration and further preferably are comprised of a V-shapedcross-sectional shape. The V-shape of the side supports 70 is able toaccommodate various thicknesses of spine boards 12 (e.g. ¾ inches, 3inches, etc.). Each side support 70 preferably faces the opposing sidesupport 70, wherein the spine board 12 is positioned between the twoside supports 70. The side supports 70 also preferably include a grooveadjacent the outer support 30 to allow the side support 70 toefficiently pivot about the outer support 30 without engaging the outersupport 30. The corners of the side supports 70, the center support 40and the outer supports 30 are also preferably rounded or angled toprevent the patient from cutting or scraping themselves upon the sidesupports 70, the center support 40 or the outer supports 30.

At least one of the side supports 70 preferably includes a loop member72 extending along an outer side of the side support 70 to receive thestrap 62. The loop member 72 subsequently prevents the strap 62 fromsliding off of the side support 70. The opposing side support 70 mayalso include a second loop member 72 to provide a similar purpose aspreviously described. In the preferred embodiment, the opposing sidesupport 70 includes a fastener 73 to fixedly secure the strap 62 to theside support 70. The fastener 73 may be comprised of variousconfigurations, such as but not limited to a bolt.

ii. Strap

The strap 62 is comprised of an elongated configuration to efficientlywrap around an outer diameter of the spine board 12 and the sidesupports 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. The strap 62 is furthercomprised of a strong and flexible strap 62. The strap 62 secures theside supports 70 tight against the sides of the spine board 12 and thussecures the support structure 20 upon the end of the spine board 12,wherein the support structure 20 is attached to the side supports 70.The strap 62 wraps around the board 12 and over the outer side of theside supports 70 and then is secured upon itself via a buckle 63 orvarious other structures utilized to secure straps 62 upon objects.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the strap 62 is first loosened and the side supports 70 areangled in a manner to conform to the sides of the spine board 12adjacent the end of the spine board 12 that the present invention is tobe attached to. The present invention is then positioned upon the end ofthe spine board 12 ensuring the retaining portions 32, 42 of the centersupport 40 and outer supports 30 are positioned upon the end of thespine board 12. The outer supports 30 may need to be slidably adjustedso the side supports 70 are positioned tight against each of the sidesof the spine board 12. The strap 62 is now ensured to be properlywrapped around the spine board 12 and through the loop member 72 of theside support(s) 70. The strap 62 is now tightened and the buckle 63fastener thus securing the present invention to the spine board 12.

When utilizing the present invention the wheels 56 are able to freelyroll, wherein an operator would push or pull the opposing end of thespine board 12 than the present invention is attached. When pulling orpushing the spine board 12 and attached present invention down thestairs 19, the wheels 56 and the hub 50 freely rotate thus allowing thespine board 12 to crawl down or up the stairs 19 in a smooth manner.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodimentof the invention along with some of its variations. The terms,descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way ofillustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in theart will recognize that many variations are possible within the spiritand scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by thefollowing claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant intheir broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headingsutilized within the description are for convenience only and have nolegal or limiting effect.

1. A wheeled attachment system, comprising: a support structure including a shaft, a plurality of wheels and a pair of spaced apart supports of generally V-shaped cross sectional configuration, positioned slideably on said shaft, wherein said pair of spaced apart supports are slideable relative to each other, wherein at least three of said plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of said shaft; wherein said plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of said opposing ends of said shaft; wherein said supports extend outwardly from said shaft between said opposing ends of said shaft, wherein said at least one support stabilizes said support structure upon a spin board positioned adjacent said support structure; and an attachment structure extending from said support structure, wherein said attachment structure removably secures said attachment structure and said support structure to said spin board.
 2. The wheeled attachment system of claim 1, wherein said tri-wheeled structure includes a hub, wherein said hub includes a center portion and a plurality of extending portions radiating from said center portion.
 3. The wheeled attachment system of claim 2, wherein said plurality of extending portions are equidistantly spaced around a perimeter of said center portion.
 4. The wheeled attachment system of claim 2, wherein said center portion is rotatably attached to said shaft.
 5. The wheeled attachment system of claim 4, wherein said at least one of said plurality of wheels is rotatably attached to each of said plurality of extending portions.
 6. The wheeled attachment system of claim 1, wherein said attachment structure is attached to said pair of supports.
 7. The wheeled attachment system of claim 6, wherein said attachment structure is pivotally attached to said pair of supports.
 8. The wheeled attachment system of claim 1, including a footrest extending outwardly from said shaft.
 9. The wheeled attachment system of claim 1, wherein said attachment structure includes a pair of side supports, wherein said pair of side supports are comprised of a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
 10. The wheeled attachment system of claim 9, wherein said pair of side supports are perpendicular to said shaft.
 11. The wheeled attachment system of claim 1, in combination with a spine board.
 12. A wheeled attachment system, comprising: a support structure including a shaft, one or more wheels and a pair of spaced apart supports of generally V-shaped cross sectional configuration, positioned slideably on said shaft, wherein said spaced apart supports are slideable relative to each other, and wherein said one or more wheels is rotatably attached at each opposing end of said shaft; wherein said supports extend outwardly from said shaft between said opposing ends of said shaft, wherein said supports stabilize said support structure upon a spin board positioned adjacent said support structure; and an attachment structure including an elongated strap, wherein said attachment structure extends from said support structure; wherein said elongated strap extends around said spin board positioned between said attachment structure and said support structure and wherein said elongated strap removably secures said attachment structure and said support structure to said spine board.
 13. The wheeled attachment system of claim 12, wherein said attachment structure is attached to said pair of outer.
 14. The wheeled attachment system of claim 13, wherein said attachment structure is pivotally attached to said outer.
 15. The wheeled attachment system of claim 12, wherein at least three of said plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each said opposing end of said shaft and wherein said plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of said opposing ends of said shaft.
 16. A wheeled attachment system, adapted to be removably attached to a spine board, comprising: a support structure including a shaft, a plurality of wheels and a pair of outer supports, wherein at least three of said plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of said shaft; wherein said plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of said opposing ends of said shaft; wherein said pair of outer supports extend outwardly from said shaft between said opposing ends of said shaft; an attachment structure extending from said support structure; wherein said tri-wheeled structure includes a hub, wherein said hub includes a center portion and a plurality of extending portions radiating from said center portion; wherein said plurality of extending portions are equidistantly spaced around a perimeter of said center portion and wherein said center portion is rotatably attached to said shaft; wherein said at least one of said plurality of wheels is rotatably attached to each of said plurality of extending portions; wherein said pair of outer supports are comprised a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration; wherein said pair of outer supports are slidably attached to said shaft and wherein said attachment structure is pivotally attached to said pair of outer supports; and a footrest extending outwardly from said shaft; wherein said attachment structure includes a pair of side supports, wherein said pair of side supports are comprised of a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration; wherein said attachment structure includes an elongated strap extending from said attachment structure. 